I want to play cricket for Yorkieshire says sprinter Yohan Blake

JAMAICAN sprinter Yohan Blake has set his sights on playing cricket for Yorkshire after hanging up his spikes.

The 24-year-old Olympic silver medallist over 100 and 200 metres has tentatively pencilled in another five years of athletics before looking to switch sports.

Speaking about his cricketing ability, he joked on BBC Radio Five: “I’m okay, you know - I can make (the) England team. I’m good in the outfield so they would probably pick me for that as well.”

Asked whether he would seriously consider turning his hand to playing cricket after his athletics career, he replied: “Yes, definitely. I’ve been wanting to play for Yorkshire or in England so, after running, definitely I’ll put my mind to that.”

Yorkshire - which Blake pronounced Yorkieshire - were quick to respond expressing their interest in working with the athlete, tweeting: “Hey @YohanBlake you’re always welcome to come and play for Yorkshire. Let’s get this sorted and come and have a net with us. #YCCC #TopGun”

Blake claimed initial talks had already taken place, saying: “We have some talks with some of the people (at Yorkshire) and we are looking forward for it.”

On when it would happen, he replied: “Well, probably like when I’m 29 I’ll come off the track and field.”

In the more immediate future, Blake will be in more familiar surroundings this summer as he looks to add to his athletics medal collection in Glasgow.

“I’m going to compete in Glasgow on July 11 for the Diamond League, so why not?” he said when asked whether he wanted to compete at the Commonwealth Games.

“Probably the 200 metres. I’m not sure, but I’ll run one of them.

“(I will make a decision) much closer to the time, coming up to the trials in the end of June.”